Multi-agency meeting underway. Credit: CS Murkomen/X
The Kenyan government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug trafficking, with plans to seize properties and assets acquired through these illegal activities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the rise of illicit substances as a “serious threat to the future of our nation” during a multi-agency meeting held on Tuesday.
CS Murkomen said the intensified operations follow directives from President William Ruto in his New Year address, which urged urgent action against the proliferation of harmful substances.
The meeting included senior officials from law enforcement and regulatory agencies, such as Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, DIGs Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, KEBS CEO Dr. Esther Ngari, and Assets Recovery Agency Director-General Mark Ogonji.
As part of the crackdown, the Anti-Narcotics Unit will be strengthened with additional officers, with the full unit expected to reach the requisite numbers by the end of the year.
The government will also coordinate a nationwide operation targeting distributors of illicit alcohol and drugs, which will include confiscation of properties and assets purchased using the proceeds of these crimes.
The initiative will further focus on policing ungazetted border points and major transit routes to disrupt the supply chain.
CS Murkomen emphasized collaboration with county governments to expand rehabilitation and recovery programmes for victims of substance abuse.
“This is a comprehensive approach combining enforcement, prevention, and recovery,” Murkomen said.
The crackdown represents one of the most robust government responses to date against the illicit alcohol and drug trade, sending a clear signal that illegally acquired wealth will not be tolerated.